I'm looking to buy a new single speed / fixed bike, and a quality one at that. The chrome Bianchi Pistas have really caught my eye and I'm considering purchasing one to replace my current second-hand SS roadie. Below's the backstory if you're interested.

I started riding seriously just a number of months ago when I bought a second-hand SS off of a bloke who'd built it up to find it was too small. It turned out to be a great deal at $375, with solid brakes, levers, crankset, headset, and the frame had a great powder coating on it, along with bullhorn bars which I've loved and a great seat. However, the frame is unfortunately just a bit too large for me, and while I've put in many kms with this bike, I've realised I really do want a more appropriately sized frame, and preferably a nice new one. As I've been looking however, it's become increasingly apparent that with the cost of a new frame, I'd probably be better off getting a complete bike for it's frame. So I figured, maybe it's about time I got a bit more serious and put down some good money for a quality single speed, and work my current bike into a commuter / consider selling parts, something like that.

Aesthetically I really like the pistas, both with regards to the geometry and also the chrome, and from what I've read they're a solid frame to work with. But I thought I'd see if there were any opinions here that might help with my decision.

slidetaker wrote:how much is a new Chrome Bianchi Pistas go for these days?

I haven't inquired at any shops yet, but I actually started considering it recently however because there seems to have been a promotional campaign with some Peroni branded pistas coming up on eBay for fairly intriguing prices which got me thinking. That said, I'm almost at the stage now where I think I'd rather splurge a little and get the real deal - if I decide on the pista that is.

Unfortunately finding a new, simple frame with track ends hasbeen harder than I thought it would be. The advice I've been given from the bike shop's I've visited has been that I'd be better off getting a complete bike (and possibly selling the extra components) because a frameon it's own can't easily be had for less than, say $500.Beyond the cheap Chinese track frames on eBay, which I would probably give a shot if I wasn't after a more old school rounded tubing, I haven't had much luck so far.

At a Bianchi dealer today I had a chat, and it seemsthe chrome might not be available - waiting to hear back from them as they checkwith their rep. The via condotti and the milk and coffee frames are stocked however, so I might consider one of them. Those in stock range from around $1,200 to $1,500

If you consider the oversea market, track frame with track end should not cost more than $400-$500 including int' shipping. They usually come with a decent fork (saving of a couple of hundreds). But you need to wait for a while for your preferred size and style. That gives you like $500 for wheelsets and tyres. Got to be a better wheelsets than the stock Bianchi Pista....

Is the Bianchi Pista lugged or welded? Is it still from Italy these days?

Yeah a $1200 price tag is quite significant. I think they're now manufactured in the US - but I haven't checked this.Thanks for the links familyguy, both definetely look like they're worth investigating.

The pistas on ebay seem to be Peroni branded promotional models - I'm still doing a bit of research to see how their parts match up to the originals.

sandberry wrote:Yeah a $1200 price tag is quite significant. I think they're now manufactured in the US - but I haven't checked this.Thanks for the links familyguy, both definetely look like they're worth investigating.

The pistas on ebay seem to be Peroni branded promotional models - I'm still doing a bit of research to see how their parts match up to the originals.

sandberry wrote:Yeah a $1200 price tag is quite significant. I think they're now manufactured in the US - but I haven't checked this.Thanks for the links familyguy, both definetely look like they're worth investigating.

The pistas on ebay seem to be Peroni branded promotional models - I'm still doing a bit of research to see how their parts match up to the originals.

ad wrote:This bicycle retails for $1249 for a normal 2011 Pista Steel Bianchi Bicycle. (Ref http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /100293485 )As this is a limited edition Peroni branded bicycle I could ask for more but I will start the action price at $800.00I believe this to be very fair

I believe this to be very over-rated. Not worth $800, let alone $1200. Unless you really, really want a Bianchi. $1200 better spent someplace else, unless you can source a bare frame.

sandberry wrote:Yeah a $1200 price tag is quite significant. I think they're now manufactured in the US - but I haven't checked this.Thanks for the links familyguy, both definetely look like they're worth investigating.

The pistas on ebay seem to be Peroni branded promotional models - I'm still doing a bit of research to see how their parts match up to the originals.

ad wrote:This bicycle retails for $1249 for a normal 2011 Pista Steel Bianchi Bicycle. (Ref http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /100293485 )As this is a limited edition Peroni branded bicycle I could ask for more but I will start the action price at $800.00I believe this to be very fair

I believe this to be very over-rated. Not worth $800, let alone $1200. Unless you really, really want a Bianchi. $1200 better spent someplace else, unless you can source a bare frame.

BRLVR.v2 wrote:Frames are chiawanese.

This. Taiwan is the likely place.

Jim

Haha, that particular line, "As this is a limited edition Peroni branded bicycle I could ask for more but I will start the action price at $800.00", I found rather funny. There are a few on gumtree and ebay, none have sold that I've seen so far, so I'm in no rush to put down $800 for that. Yeah, I think $1200 when I'm only interested in the frame itself is a bit steep.I think i'll be keeping my eye out for a good deal on a second-hand, and used, one, while looking at alternative frames.

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